Organizers of the start-up Midwest Cycling Series have secured dates and venues for eight of the 10 races in the 11-day competition, including the Historic Downer Avenue Bike Race in Milwaukee on June 27.

While not a direct competitor to the Superweek Pro Tour races, the Midwest series has secured some key support from the Downer Avenue Merchants Association, which hosts what has been one of the most popular races in the country.

"What Downer Avenue merchants decided to do is go to the new date, the full day of racing, the house parties and the Ben’s Cycle Super Prime," said Mike Eitel, president of the merchants association.

Eitel is an owner of the Cafe Hollander, a Belgian-cycling-themed bar and restaurant located at the start / finish line of the Downer Avenue criterium course.

The Midwest Cycling Series will finish about a week before the Superweek Pro Tour, scheduled to run from July 9 to 26 in 2009. That series will hold a pros-only twi-light race on Downer Ave. on July 25, giving the retail district two big cycling events.

“We’re going to try it out this year and if the races don’t cannibalize each other we’ll go ahead with it,” Eitel said.

Six of the races in the new series will be criteriums in Grafton, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee and Waukesha. Organizers are looking to secure road courses for a second race in Fond du Lac, one in Waterloo and two locations yet to be announced, said Jack Hirt, the series director.

Two races on Downer Ave!!!!!!!!!!Were going to have two huge house parties!!!!!!!!!!We have just loved Super Week for the past 15 years, last year was so fantastic. The emotion and true sportmanship in the pro race was awesome.